How To Use CPT Code 27570

CPT 27570 describes the manipulation of the knee joint under general anesthesia, including the application of traction or other fixation devices. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 27570?

CPT 27570 involves the manipulation of the knee joint under general anesthesia. The procedure aims to break up fibrous and scar tissue in order to relieve pain and improve range of motion. The provider performs passive movement and stretching of the knee joint, using anesthesia to reduce pain, spasm, and muscle guarding. The manipulation helps to break joint adhesions and soft tissue adhesions, resulting in improved joint mobility.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 27570 is the manipulation of the knee joint under general anesthesia, including the application of traction or other fixation devices. This code is used when the provider performs passive movement and stretching of the knee joint to break up fibrous and scar tissue, resulting in improved range of motion.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider passively moves or stretches the knee joint in the direction of the restricted range of motion.
3. General anesthesia is used to reduce pain, spasm, and reflex muscle guarding.
4. The provider breaks joint adhesions and soft tissue adhesions, resulting in improved range of motion of the knee joint.
5. Traction or other fixation devices may be used to aid the manual force for manipulation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 27570 is performed on patients with restricted range of motion in the knee joint due to fibrous and scar tissue. The procedure is typically indicated for patients experiencing pain and limited mobility. It is important to note that this procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires the use of traction or other fixation devices.

5. When to use CPT code 27570

CPT code 27570 should be used when the provider performs manipulation of the knee joint under general anesthesia, including the application of traction or other fixation devices. It is important to ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and meets the criteria for restricted range of motion and the presence of fibrous and scar tissue in the knee joint.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 27570, the provider must document the following information:

• Medical necessity for the procedure, including the presence of restricted range of motion and fibrous and scar tissue in the knee joint
• Details of the manipulation performed, including the specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Use of traction or other fixation devices, if applicable
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 27570, ensure that the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and includes the application of traction or other fixation devices. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set forth by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing. Additionally, it is important to review any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 27570 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with restricted range of motion in the knee joint undergoes manipulation under general anesthesia to break up fibrous and scar tissue, resulting in improved mobility.
2. A provider performs knee joint manipulation on a patient with chronic knee pain and limited range of motion, using traction to aid in the procedure.
3. After a knee injury, a patient undergoes manipulation of the knee joint under anesthesia to improve range of motion and alleviate pain.
4. A patient with a history of knee surgery undergoes manipulation of the knee joint to address restricted range of motion and scar tissue formation.
5. A provider performs knee joint manipulation on a patient with osteoarthritis, aiming to improve mobility and reduce pain.
6. Following a knee replacement surgery, a patient undergoes manipulation of the knee joint to address stiffness and improve range of motion.
7. A patient with a sports-related knee injury undergoes manipulation of the knee joint under anesthesia to break up adhesions and improve mobility.
8. A provider performs knee joint manipulation on a patient with a history of knee dislocation, aiming to restore range of motion and stability.
9. After a traumatic knee injury, a patient undergoes manipulation of the knee joint to address scar tissue formation and improve mobility.
10. A patient with chronic knee pain and limited range of motion undergoes manipulation of the knee joint under anesthesia to alleviate symptoms and improve function.